Healthy Sloppy Joe's? Yes please! If you follow my other blog posts, you probably already know my love for comfort food so I'm always trying to find healthy recipes that satisfy my comfort food cravings, and this is one of them!

To make this recipe kid friendly and hubby approved, I chop the red bell peppers and onions super small and saute them until they are very soft. The kids and hubby won't eat any "crunchy veggies" in their foods. lol

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Who loves COMFORT FOOD!? This girl!!! ;) I love it even more when I know it's healthy AND fits within my weight loss plan. This week, I'm testing out the recipes on my upcoming ROCK YOUR SKINNY JEANS Challenge meal plan that I created for my challengers who are ready to shed some lbs and fit into their goal jeans so they can feel great for the holidays. This recipe is definitely a keeper <3I may play around with this recipe and make a pumpkin version because - who isn't obsessed with pumpkin during this time of year? :)Here is my Gluten Free - Vegetarian - Skinny Pancakes Recipe: (Serves 4. 2 Pancakes per Serving. 1 Yellow and 1 1/2 Purples on the 21 Day Fix portion control plan)

When edges start to brown a bit, raise, and firm, slide the pancake a bit to make sure it's firm and not sticking to the pan. It should look like this:

Flip pancakes, and cook until slightly brown on each side.

Serve topped with berries.

STORING AND REHEATING:Place the pancakes in a plastic bowl. Separate each with wax paper. Leftover pancakes can be easily re-heated in the toaster for kid friendly breakfasts or healthy on the go breakfasts.Comment below and let me know what you guys think!! <3 xo - Lindsey

Sunday, October 9, 2016

I know, mamas...after having babies, our bodies result in so many changes!! Our emotions are HIGH on love, yet sometimes flat with confidence. Feeling beautiful is more challenging than ever before. But, with some guidance, self-discipline and understanding, there are many ways to regain your confidence and become a much happier you!! <3

1. Reclaim your Body

Yessss...things shift after having kids or as we age. {dun dun dunnn} BUT, with a little energy we can reclaim our body confidence. It’s important to accept your new body. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Learn to love your scars and stretch marks. They gave you the most precious gift. Focus on HEALTH and how to treat your body the way it should be treated instead of seeking physical PERFECTION. Take five minutes each morning to have a good stretch, followed by a 10- to 20-minute walk. The walk not only burns calories, but fresh air is great to combat stress. Don’t think you have to exercise for hours at a time. I, personally, choose workouts that are only 30min per day like CIZE, 21 Day Fix, or Chalean Extreme...and, that does the trick for me!! Take a small amount of time each day, and make it a HABIT just like brushing your teeth! This will get you feeling happier with your body and give you energy during the rest of your day!!

2. Take Control of your Diet and Exercise

Aside from regular physical activity, there are many things related to diet and exercise that can help increase your confidence. Drastic dieting is not a good long term solution, so find simple solutions that continue to give you protein and strength. Think smaller portion sizes, water instead of soda, whole foods instead of processed, and salads with light, homemade dressing instead of sandwiches. Also, consider making time for sex with your partner--yes, ladies...that's important too! It’s a free workout and it’s sure to bring happiness to your self-esteem. :D

Instead of focusing on that "flabby tummy" you don't care for, think about your beautiful legs or anything that you LOVE about you. Stay away from negative thoughts and think of the positive in everything--we are our OWN worst critiques...but, we SHOULD be our own biggest fans <3. Avoid individuals who bring you down, and surround yourself with people who love and support you. {I've found love and support within my coach community.} These ladies are always there to lift me up! <3 Instead of focusing on the problems in your life, focus on the positive...the things you CAN control, solutions to make good changes, and think about how you can bless someone else's life. We RISE by lifting others. <3

4. Change your Image

By simply smiling more often or straightening your posture, you can FEEL more confident and you can light up a room with confidence. If you don't believe me...try it. What we believe about ourselves in our minds becomes our REALITY. If you tell yourself you are confident and you present yourself that way...you immediately FEEL more confident. Confidence takes practice just like anything else. Make direct eye contact with people, smile as they talk. This will help them feel more comfortable around you. Experts believe that those who speak clearly feel more self-confident. Make it part of your day to get ready--do your hair, do your makeup {if that's you're into makeup}, dress however you need to to feel GOOD about yourself. This not only makes you happier with your self image, but helps others view you as a successful, confident person-- because THAT is what you are!

Many experts believe that making personal time for yourself can most certainly boost your confidence and happiness. Go to the park alone and read a book. Make a standing appointment for a pedicure--and, have a glass of wine or a sparkling water!!! Even spend 20 minutes when the kids are asleep enjoying a bubble bath. Taking a little time to focus on YOU has all the assets for better confidence. YOU are a PRIORITY. Don't forget that!

Saturday, October 8, 2016

I am SO excited about this upcoming ROCK YOUR SKINNY JEANS Challenge, that I'm creating the meal plans in advance. During the duration of this group, we will be following the "Countdown to Competition" Meal Plan (which is the meal plan that is followed before bikini / fitness competitions to really LEAN you out).Here is a look at our first Meal Plan:

Here is the coordinating Grocery List for this Meal Plan.If you're in our current Online Accountability Groups, you may recognize and already have many of these spices / ingredients. But, just to be thorough, I included ALL ingredients for this plan.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Hey friends and followers! I've been thinking a lot lately about HOW to guide my challengers in my online accountability groups BACK to their health and fitness goals after LIFE kinda...HAPPENS.

You know...when life gets busy, responsibilities have you feeling drained, the kids get sick (and, so do you), maybe something happened to you or someone in your family that has completely disrupted and shaken your life to the core. The thought of commitment becomes scary, doubt starts to creep in, your goals seem so distant, maybe even out of reach. Thoughts of disappointment starts floating through your head. You don't want to be a "quitter" (not THIS time...this time was supposed to be DIFFERENT), but you're feeling deflated... and, you're feeling like a failure. It's just TOO much, and you're ready to throw in the towel.Sound familiar?Weight loss is an EMOTIONAL process you guys...full of ups and downs, and when your everyday life is disrupted, it can feel impossible. I get it. I've been there, done that many times. I've gotten into the BEST shape of my entire life, and when "Life Happened" I let it all fall apart. I know what it feels like to feel disappointed in myself and defeated.

Here are some Tips that have helped me (and my challengers) STAY on Track OR Get Back on Track:1. BREATHE. If something terrible has happened in your life, I am truly sorry. Reach out to me, and I will make sure I pray for strength and peace for you. Let yourself feel the disappointment, and let yourself grieve, but don't stay in that dark place for too long (I know, much easier said than done!). If something has happened to someone you love, remember they don't want to see you hurting. They want to see you happy, living your life to its fullest. YOU have ONE life - dig deep, find your inner strength, and do something for yourself that will make you feel any sort of a glimmer of happiness or fulfillment. If you're the praying type - pray for strength and guidance. Baby steps: one foot in front of the other. If there's any time to take special care of yourself, it's now. Nourish your body with healthy foods - and tap into your inner peace by doing some yoga. Make yourself do these things - they won't fix your situation, but they will improve your mood and mindset. Just know, this too shall pass <3

2. SUCH IS LIFE.The truth is..."Life Happens" to EVERYONE. Life is FULL of ups and downs. We all experience storms. They make us re-evaluate our lives. They make us appreciate everything we have so much more, and they make us stronger.I promise you're not the only one. You may THINK you are if you're comparing your life with your friend's lives on social media. Most people only post the "happy highlights" of their lives yet they omit sharing their vulnerable struggles. Why? Maybe they fear being a "Negative Nancy" or maybe they just prefer to focus on the positives and they'd rather not share their less-than-perfect moments for all to see. Who knows! Anyone who knows me knows I share IT ALL! The good AND the bad. I believe we all have a story, and I believe sharing our struggles will help those who are currently going through the same struggles we are. I live my life as an open book to give others HOPE in their own lives. Helping other people lifts ME up! If you're feeling down...do something nice for someone else - you wouldn't believe the effect it will have on YOU <3Life is full of happy times, sad times, trying times, exciting times, and times that may have you questioning everything. But, everything you go through will make you a stronger, more inspiring person who has the ability to help other people. The sooner you realize that everyone has obstacles to overcome, the more normal your life and your obstacles will feel, and the more equipped you will be to deal with them.

3. RE-EVALUATE THE SITUATION.Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Really. Was it really THAT bad, or are you blowing things out of proportion {{ just a TINY bit }}?? Did you know, it's mentally impossible to focus on a setback AND also focus on your GOAL at the same time? What we focus on E-X-P-A-N-D-S and becomes our reality. If you have a small problem and you're seeing it as the END of the WORLD...you will feel OVERWHELMED. If you see a small problem for "what it is - a small problem", you can easily brush it off and keep going. What are you focusing on? What COULD you be focusing on instead?I've seen challengers make excuses for little things that happen in their lives that push them away from their goals, and most of the time the "issues" are way bigger in their heads than they really are! And, sometimes I see this as "just another excuse to QUIT", and if you're a challenger of mine...you didn't sign up to quit...you signed up to see this through and see results, and you trusted me to hold you accountable. So, is it really "Life" that is in the way, or are you looking for "valid" excuses to bail on the things you told me were important to you?

4. TAP INTO YOUR WHY.There is a distinct EMOTIONAL reason you started this journey. What was it? Were you having health problems? Do health problems run in your family and you either want to help inspire THEM to change, or you want to reroute your destiny? Are you too out of shape to play with your kids? Do you feel uncomfortable or unhappy in your clothes? Do you avoid being in photos? Is the extra weight holding you back from going out of the house and being social? Is it hindering your happiness - because you guys...HAPPINESS is all we want. It's what we strive for and crave. If you're not happy, it's time to DO SOMETHING about it. Don't live a mediocre life. I've done that and I'm never looking back. GO FOR the things YOU WANT. No regrets.WRITE DOWN WHAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY. THAT IS YOUR GOAL. HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN FOR YOU? It starts with focusing on YOU...

5. IF IT'S BEEN DONE BY SOMEONE ELSE, IT CAN BE DONE BY YOU.Get rid of the limiting beliefs that tell you that success isn't "for you". Success is for anyone who believes in themselves and is willing to put in the work that other people are not willing to put in.The things you believe about yourself become your reality. Believe you are successful and can achieve anything you put your mind to because it's 100% TRUE. Don't let anything tell you or let you think otherwise.If you want to lose 5lbs, DO IT.If you want to gain 5lbs of muscle, DO IT.If you want to lose 100lbs, DO IT.If you want to be a fitness competitor like MY MOM was at the age of 34, DO IT.There is NOTHING that bothers me more than the word, "CAN'T". Because I believe the all opportunities are available to anyone who is willing to believe in themselves and PUT IN THE WORK. Anything life changing, isn't EASY. So, if you want your life to CHANGE...be willing to be uncomfortable.

6. REALIZE THIS IS A JOURNEY - THERE IS NO FINISH LINE.A health and fitness journey is not a smooth, paved road, straight up to success. There are obstacles, and challenges, and times you're not going to be sure if you have it IN YOU. But, YOU DO. You see...the REAL road to success...is a pretty effed up looking road. People make it look easy like it's a straight up path, but it's not because it takes CONSISTENCY...and, consistency isn't easy. CHOOSING to make healthy choices daily and working out for 30min daily are simple decisions, BUT making those decisions daily when no one is telling you that you HAVE TO is tough. But, living a happier, better quality, longer life is worth every bit of struggle.

7. STOP SAYING "I DON'T HAVE TIME"Unless you knew me before I became a coach, you may not know that my hubby used to be a retail store manager who worked CRAZY hours, while I felt like a single mom who owned a permanent makeup studio, and was taking care of a 2 1/2 yr old and a 9mo old when I started a 2nd business...which is now my (Stay-at-Home Online Coaching Business). I was taking off of work SO MUCH because the kids were always sick from daycare, and the time I WAS working, I was making just enough money to pay the overhead of my studio and all of the supplies I needed to work on my clients. At that time, I felt like I had LESS time than everyone in the world. In actuality...I had the same amount of time in every day, and it was up to ME to learn how to manage my time better so I could "fit it all in" and still lead a balanced life.Think about everything you have going on in your life. Do you have TOO MANY responsibilities? Can you eliminate anything? Can you ask someone in your family for help? We ALL want to be Superwoman...but, let's be honest...it's NOT always possible (speaking from experience).Write it all down. All of your responsibilities. On paper. (Like..now. lol). Are any of them optional? Can you delegate any of them? I also recommend "The Miracle Morning" - this book / (or audio) could be life-changing for you. If "fitting it all in" is tough for you...that just means it's time to GROW and learn HOW to "fit it all in". Because, I can promise you - we all have 24 hours in a day, and if managing your time is a struggle for you...it will always be a struggle in your life. It's time to face this issue head-on, learn how to manage your time NOW...so you can lead a more proactive life which is less stressful than living a REactive life.

8. SO, IF YOU QUIT - WHAT EXACTLY WILL GET BETTER?Will you have MORE energy? Will you be LESS tired (btw-working out and eating healthy actually gives you MORE energy)? Will you finally fit into your clothes again? Will you have more energy to play with your kids? Will you feel confident and want to be in your family photos instead of avoiding them? Will you feel sexy for your husband? Will you feel PROUD of yourself?... Will your problems disappear? Or will you have wish you never would have quit in the first place?.....That was on my HEART tonight <3 Please comment below if it helped you <3xo - Lindsey

So, you'd love to eat healthy...or, "eat clean"...but, what does that even MEAN? It can be a little overwhelming when you feel like there is SO much to learn, and the internet is full of conflicting info, right?I remember feeling the same way! But, it's really pretty simple. So, I want to help <3 I've come up with my Top 4 Tips: How to Start Eating Healthy and Clean.

I have to note: I am NOT a nutritionist. Anything you read within this blog has either been researched, something I've learned from experience, and/or it comes from the 21 Day Fix program.

I have been a health and fitness accountability coach for over 4yrs. I've followed multiple fitness programs with different nutrition plans, I've gone Paleo, Vegan, you name it. And, I've helped hundreds (if not thousands) of women lose weight on the same programs and nutrition plans I have.

Oh, and my mom was a fitness competitor when I was growing up, so I grew up around healthy foods and learned how to read a nutrition label when I was about 13yrs old. ;)

Speaking of Nutrition Labels...that's our FIRST Tip! :)1. LEARN THE BASICS OF HOW TO READ A NUTRITION LABEL:

50% Vegetables and Fruits - They contain a ton of nutrients and fiber that will fill you up and keep your body happy and functioning at its best. If you are NOT a "veggie person" and this percentage scares you...you really need to check out Shakeology (140-160 calories and includes the same amount of nutrients as 5 salads worth of veggies - it's my saving grace!).

40% Protein and Healthy Fats - Proteins like lean cuts of chicken, turkey, beef, beans, and eggs, along with Healthy Fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil are some of my daily go-to's.

Once per Week "Treat Meal": I don't like to put Processed Foods in the "Whole Foods" or "Clean Foods" categories. I choose to limit processed foods because they are not healthy. HOWEVER, I will place them in the "Treat Meal" category. I think it's important (and realistic) to allow ourselves a treat each week whether it be a small portion of a restaurant meal that you love that isn't on your nutrition plan, a dessert, or a glass of wine or two. If your GOAL is weight loss...make this a SMALL treat - don't cheat yourself. If maintaining is your goal, you have a little more wiggle room.

3. FIND A NUTRITION PLAN THAT SIMPLIFIES ALL OF IT

It's ok if you're not a "calculate my food percentages" type of person. Neither am I! :p For my challengers within my online health and fitness accountability groups, I use a simple color container food system. I give my challengers a list of "allowed foods" per each container, and based on their starting point and what goals they want to reach, we figure out how many of each container (each food group) they need to eat per day in order to get the best results. This is so much easier than worrying about percentages and counting calories - so, if those things confuse you...this will help!

4. WHEN GROCERY SHOPPING, SHOP THE PERIMETER OF THE STOREWhen I go grocery shopping, #1- I eat first (NEVER go HUNGRY!! You will buy horrible things! lol) and #2- I shop the perimeter of the store first.

Produce Section: First, I grab my fruits, veggies, raw almonds/cashews/seeds. I also grab organic, refrigerated salad dressing. Yogurt based dressing are usually in the produce section.

Meat and Seafood: Next, I choose my lean proteins for the week.

Dairy section: Some people who are trying to lose weight stay away from daily - especially cheese since it's high in saturated fat. It's a personal decision. Eggs are always a must in our house, milk and yogurt for the kids.

Frozen section: More veggies, Ezekial (sprout) bread.

THEN, I venture into the middle of the store for whole grain bread/pasta, brown rice, quinoa, all natural peanut butter, oils, spices, etc.

Anything else in the middle of the store is usually processed and comes in a box or a bag usually has artificial ingredients, chemicals, and tons of sugar. Save yourself the temptation!

Ok everyone! Those are my Top 4 Tips on WHERE and HOW to start eating clean and healthy! I hope this helped you!

If you have any questions or anything else you'd like me to blog about, please "like" this blog post AND leave a comment below! I'd love your feedback, and I'd be happy to blog about anything that will help you on your journey! <3 CLICK HERE if you'd like more ACCOUNTABILITY in your Health and Fitness Journey <3

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Ahhh the weather is changing, and the holidays are coming! Soft sweaters, boots, skinny jeans, pumpkin spiced latte's, holiday baked goodies...oh my <3If you've been following my Ultimate Reset journey (I updated Facebook with my post-Reset progress photos HERE), you know before I started I was struggling to lose about 15lbs. While I'm all about a healthy lifestyle, sometimes life gets in the way, and even those of us who are pretty consistent with our nutrition and exercise can fall off track a bit. For me...I work from home, so I live in yoga pants - let me tell you how DANGEROUS it is living in yoga pants...the weight CREEPS up on you. Dun dun dunnnnnn.We live in Florida, so the weather isn't cool yet, but our kids are taking ice skating lessons, and it's CHILLY in there. When I went to put on my skinny jeans for the first time this fall...I wasn't a happy camper. They were tight and uncomfortable, and I have to admit...I was a little stressed thinking about the upcoming holidays, parties, holiday desserts, and possibly packing on MORE weight. I decided to nip things in the bud NOW instead of going through the holidays and feeling terrible during the new year - we want to feel our BEST going into the new year, right? I know I do!!While I did make some progress last month (lost 10lbs and 1 pant size), I have a pair of GOAL skinny's that still have the tag on them, and they are just dying for me to wear them (without a muffin top hanging over - bleh!) ;)So, with all of that being said...let me introduce this month's Online Health and Fitness Accountability group:

Make sure I'm drinking enough water throughout the day - sometimes this is the missing component for weight loss.

Create a Weekly, Balanced Meal Plan along with a Simple Grocery List for myself and my Challengers so we all know exactly what to eat to get the best results - no guessing.

Start reading / listening to "Miracle Morning" and start implementing a morning schedule that will help me reach my goals and help me live a more balanced life.

Make sure I take a little "ME" time so I don't BURN out and want to quit.

I love to invite all of YOU to join me - added accountability for YOU, and also added accountability for ME! :) Just because we are going into sweater season (and sweaters HIDE everything) doesn't mean it's time to forget about our goals. Trust me, when Christmas and New Year's Eve come around, and you're able to wear something cute and you FEEL amazing...you will thank me <3

My Upcoming "ROCK YOUR SKINNY JEANS" online accountability group will be starting on OCTOBER 17th. We will open this group within our secure Online Challenge Tracker App (for iPhone or Android).

We will spend a few days going over your mindset before we officially begin our Challenge. We will set realistic health and fitness goals. I will help you choose a workout for your Challenge based on your fitness level that will help you reach these goals. We do offer workouts with modifications if needed.

My goal as your coach will be to teach you about clean eating, and I will provide you with sample weekly meals plans with tailored grocery lists so you know exactly what to grocery shop for, exactly what you're eating for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, and simple recipes for all of these ingredients. I will teach you how to make healthier choices of the foods you already love, tips on how to handle cravings for sweets, night time snacking, how to deal with Halloween and CANDY, how to make healthier choices at restaurants, and how to handle when LIFE happens!

All challengers must commit to replacing a meal OR snack with a dense superfood shake. Please do not confuse this with a protein shake. While Shakeology does contain protein, comparing it to a regular protein shake is like comparing apples and oranges. They are completely different categories. Shakeology is made from quality ingredients: superfoods, vitamins, probiotics, antioxidants, to name a few. It is equivalent to having 5 salads worth of nutrients which will help you get all of the nutrients you need while following a healthy, (possibly) lower calorie nutrition plan. As a coach, this let's me know your nutrition is on point, and you're not missing any important nutrients needed for your body to function at it's best and for you to get the results you signed up for - especially if your life is anything like mine. Shakeology has saved my life on the days I'm super busy with the kids and need something healthy in a pinch!

Each day, you can expect me to SHOW UP within our daily accountability group - I will post a daily post each morning to either keep you motivated, hold you accountability, give you tips and tricks to help you stay on track, and share healthy recipes and snacks with you. You will feel the sense of community, and most likely walk away not only with more confidence and results...but also with new friendships <3

Are you in?? I'm accepting 10 Women for this Group. Please Apply ASAP if you'd like to be considered as a challenger for this group.